Depression is one of the biggest medical problems worldwide. The core features of depression are low mood and a lack of ability to gain pleasure from usual activities. This usually lasts for longer periods (more than two weeks) and is often accompanied by a range of physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue and insomnia, to mention but a few. The symptoms range from mild to severe. Treatment for depression usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medicines. Hypnotherapy offers a holistic approach that can be effective in addressing and alleviating depression and can work very well alongside an existing pharmacological treatment. By combining psychotherapy and hypnosis, it can help individuals experience a profound shift in their mindset, allowing them to view themselves, their circumstances, and the world around them in a more positive light. Importantly, hypnotherapy fosters a sense of empowerment and self-awareness in individuals. This newfound self-awareness allows them to recognise and challenge negative thinking patterns, replacing them with healthier and more resilient alternatives. Recent studies suggest that antidepressants (SSRIs) also promote neuroplasticity. This would explain why medication and talking therapies often work best together: through a collaborative partnership with a therapist, individuals learn new patterns of behaviour in response to challenging life situations and unlearn negative ones. This approach can help alleviate depression and also reduce the risk of successive episodes in an individual.

It’s important to remember, that we all can feel profound sadness when loosing someone, or when our relationship comes to an end; this is normal and expected. If the feelings of sadness however remain and are pervasive you may be suffering from depression, it’s important to remember that you should never feel ashamed to reach out and ask for help.